Kerry Joseph Joins Chicago Bears as Quarterbacks Coach
Former Seahawks Assistant to Mentor Justin Fields, Guide Offensive Revamp
Chicago, IL (February 2024)—The Chicago Bears’ offensive coaching staff has gained a new addition with the hiring of Kerry Joseph as their quarterbacks coach. Joseph joins the Bears after spending the past three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where he worked closely with new Chicago offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
Joseph’s diverse football background spans both playing and coaching roles. He began his professional career as a safety with the Seahawks before transitioning to quarterback in the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he achieved notable success. In 2007, he earned the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award while playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
After retiring from playing, Joseph embarked on a coaching career, starting as an offensive assistant with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2012. He then served as the quarterbacks coach for the Ottawa Redblacks for two seasons before joining the Seahawks in 2020.
During his tenure in Seattle, Joseph played a crucial role in developing quarterback Geno Smith, who experienced a resurgence in his career under Joseph and Waldron’s guidance. Smith set career highs in passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage in 2022, leading the Seahawks to a playoff berth.
The Bears’ acquisition of Joseph is a strategic move aimed at bolstering their offense and providing quarterback Justin Fields with the necessary support for his continued development. Fields, entering his third NFL season, has shown glimpses of his potential but has struggled with consistency. The addition of Joseph and Waldron, who have a proven track record of developing quarterbacks, could be the catalyst for Fields to take the next step and solidify his status as the Bears’ franchise quarterback.
Should the Bears decide to select a quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft, Joseph and Waldron will be tasked with grooming the young player and preparing them for the rigors of the NFL. Their expertise in quarterback development will be invaluable in nurturing the talent and maximizing their potential.
Joseph’s arrival in Chicago is part of a broader effort by the Bears to revamp their offensive unit. The team has also bolstered its receiving corps with the additions of wide receiver Byron Pringle and tight end Ryan Griffin in free agency. These moves, coupled with the hiring of Waldron and Joseph, signal the Bears’ commitment to improving their offensive production and becoming a more formidable force in the NFC.
Kerry Joseph’s Coaching Journey
* 2012: Offensive Assistant, Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL)
* 2013-2014: Quarterbacks Coach, Ottawa Redblacks (CFL)
* 2020-2022: Assistant Wide Receivers Coach, Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
* 2023: Assistant Quarterbacks Coach, Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
* 2024: Quarterbacks Coach, Chicago Bears (NFL)
Kerry Joseph’s Playing Career
* 1995-1997: Safety, Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
* 2001-2006: Quarterback, Edmonton Eskimos (CFL)
* 2007-2008: Quarterback, Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL)
* 2009: Quarterback, Toronto Argonauts (CFL)
Accolades and Achievements
* CFL Most Outstanding Player (2007)
* CFL All-Star (2003, 2005, 2006, 2007)
* CFL Grey Cup Champion (2003)
With the addition of Kerry Joseph to their coaching staff, the Chicago Bears aim to ignite their offense, provide Justin Fields with the guidance he needs to flourish, and establish a more dynamic and potent offensive unit. The upcoming season promises to be filled with excitement as the Bears embark on a new era with a revamped coaching staff and a renewed sense of purpose.